Five Keys to the Game - Buffalo

Five Keys to the Game - Buffalo
Friday, November 19, 2004

1. It is becoming almost cliché, but the same problem that has plagued the Rams defense all season is the same thing it needs to concentrate on Sunday. Running back Willis McGahee has come back from a knee injury with great success and is the kind of slashing runner that gives St. Louis trouble. The Rams have had trouble stopping the run all season and doing so against the Bills would go a long way toward a win. The key is for the linebackers to stay in their gaps, get off blocks and make sure tackles. That group has been much-maligned this season and, with the exception of Pisa Tinoisamoa, has been the most inconsistent unit on the team.

2. Like in most games, a lot of the outcome is decided up front. Buffalo’s offensive line is one of the league’s largest. Even center Trey Teague is 6-foot-5, 300 pounds. The Rams defensive line has gotten a boost from tackle Jimmy Kennedy, who is starting to come into his own after suffering a broken foot in training camp. The giant Bills’ line is big, but certainly not the most talented the Rams have faced. Expect Buffalo to keep tights ends and fullbacks around to try to pound the running game and chip away at defensive end Leonard Little. Little’s speed off the edge could mean a big day against tackle Mike Williams, who is battling an injury and inconsistency.

3. Buffalo’s defense is No. 5 in the NFL for a reason. The Bills have a pair of great leaders at linebacker (Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher), a massive defensive tackle duo (Sam Adams and Pat Williams) and a strong secondary that features Nate Clements and Lawyer Milloy. The Rams offense is equally good, but has struggled at times against some of the league’s better defenses (see Miami game). St. Louis will probably come out like coach Mike Martz wants it to, fast and furious. It will be the offense’s ability to get in a rhythm early against a hard-hitting, opportunistic defense that will determine a lot of which side comes out on top.

4. Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe has struggled mightily this season, at times throwing the ball directly to the defender. The Rams defense has dropped some prime opportunities for interceptions and turnovers this season. If St. Louis gets some gift wrapped chances from Bledsoe, it must take advantage and finish the play.

5. The second half of the NFL season started last week and the Rams did it in style, with a big win against division-rival Seattle. Now, they play four of the next five on the road and it all starts with Buffalo. A win against the Bills gives St. Louis added confidence that it can win on the road and do it in a hostile, possibly cold environment. Buffalo, historically, has been one of the league’s best teams at home. Regardless of how the Bills have played this season, this game is no gimme. For the Rams’ part, they must keep the emotion and intensity at the level they brought to the Seahawks’ game.

Re: Five Keys to the Game - Buffalo

While we have Nat Clements and Lawyer Milloy in the seocndary, so is Terrance McGee and Rashard Baker. Lots of potentuial there but not good enough yet.

Our Oline is god awful.. they can't open up running lanes for McGahee and they can't stop the blitz to save their lives. If Drew has anything lef tin the tank he'll never be able to show it here because he has 0 time t set his feet and throw. His poor throws are moslty due to throwing off balance at all times. He only locks onto Moulds 90% of the time because he can't trust any of the other recievers to catch the ball if they accidentally get open.

Losman is so far rom ready to play it's unfunny... will be a joy to watch him as we are getting killed in the 4th if he get's in.

Willis is going to be great but not behind a line that features more Defensive Tackles than Guards on some plays.

We have a great punter but horrid kicker.. so be prepared to see a punt instead of kick if it's over 40 yards.

conservative playcalling all the way. down 30? better kick it on 4th and goal.

trick plays that arent tricking anyone.

yup, it's all Rams in this one. I wouldn't be surprised if you socred 10 TD's and threw for 500 yards, ewhile rushing for 200 more.

no way Bulger throws a pick or ANYONE fumbles in this one. your D will stop us to less than 100 total yards and probably create 7 or moe turnovers.

the weather will not be a factor whatsoever.

and if you thik this entire post is a reverse jinx than you win a prize.

Re: Five Keys to the Game - Buffalo

Originally Posted by NickSeiler

Five Keys to the Game - Buffalo
Friday, November 19, 2004

1. It is becoming almost cliché, but the same problem that has plagued the Rams defense all season is the same thing it needs to concentrate on Sunday. Running back Willis McGahee has come back from a knee injury with great success and is the kind of slashing runner that gives St. Louis trouble. The Rams have had trouble stopping the run all season and doing so against the Bills would go a long way toward a win. The key is for the linebackers to stay in their gaps, get off blocks and make sure tackles. That group has been much-maligned this season and, with the exception of Pisa Tinoisamoa, has been the most inconsistent unit on the team.

2. Like in most games, a lot of the outcome is decided up front. Buffalo’s offensive line is one of the league’s largest. Even center Trey Teague is 6-foot-5, 300 pounds. The Rams defensive line has gotten a boost from tackle Jimmy Kennedy, who is starting to come into his own after suffering a broken foot in training camp. The giant Bills’ line is big, but certainly not the most talented the Rams have faced. Expect Buffalo to keep tights ends and fullbacks around to try to pound the running game and chip away at defensive end Leonard Little. Little’s speed off the edge could mean a big day against tackle Mike Williams, who is battling an injury and inconsistency.

3. Buffalo’s defense is No. 5 in the NFL for a reason. The Bills have a pair of great leaders at linebacker (Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher), a massive defensive tackle duo (Sam Adams and Pat Williams) and a strong secondary that features Nate Clements and Lawyer Milloy. The Rams offense is equally good, but has struggled at times against some of the league’s better defenses (see Miami game). St. Louis will probably come out like coach Mike Martz wants it to, fast and furious. It will be the offense’s ability to get in a rhythm early against a hard-hitting, opportunistic defense that will determine a lot of which side comes out on top.

4. Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe has struggled mightily this season, at times throwing the ball directly to the defender. The Rams defense has dropped some prime opportunities for interceptions and turnovers this season. If St. Louis gets some gift wrapped chances from Bledsoe, it must take advantage and finish the play.

5. The second half of the NFL season started last week and the Rams did it in style, with a big win against division-rival Seattle. Now, they play four of the next five on the road and it all starts with Buffalo. A win against the Bills gives St. Louis added confidence that it can win on the road and do it in a hostile, possibly cold environment. Buffalo, historically, has been one of the league’s best teams at home. Regardless of how the Bills have played this season, this game is no gimme. For the Rams’ part, they must keep the emotion and intensity at the level they brought to the Seahawks’ game.